Asm. Paula Kay

Enacts the "Supervising Upcoming Professionals for Practice in Official Roles in Therapy (SUPPORT) act"; provides that for licensure as a clinical social worker, an applicant may satisfy the experience requirements under supervision of a mental health practitioner who has been granted the privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans under article one hundred sixty-three of the education law.

Establishes the nutrient inactivant application permit to allow for the use of products used for controlling phosphorus levels in lakes or ponds to prevent and inhibit harmful algal blooms.

Provides that gas, electric, or combination gas and electric corporations shall not be permitted to retain revenues derived from their actual return on equity in excess of authorized rates of return on equity.

Prohibits the operation of any motor vehicle equipped with a device which affects the operation of traffic-control signals; provides that the possession of such a device shall constitute a traffic infraction, use thereof is a class A misdemeanor, and use which results in personal injury or death shall constitute a class E felony.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow bail for defendants charged with "aggravated cruelty to animals" as defined under agriculture law §353-a. It specifically adds this offense to existing lists of crimes where bail eligibility is authorized, alongside other offenses like third-degree weapon possession. The change directly affects individuals facing criminal charges for severe animal cruelty, ensuring they may qualify for bail under the same standards as other eligible offenses. The bill makes no changes to the crime itself or its penalties, only to bail eligibility procedures. It became effective immediately upon enactment.

Provides for automatic voter registration and pre-registration for persons applying for certain department of motor vehicles documentation, and for persons applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid; allows individuals to decline such automatic registration and pre-registration.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for mental health clubhouses in New York State, directly benefiting individuals with serious mental illness by providing free, community-based support services. It requires clubhouses to be accredited, offer voluntary membership, and provide integrated support for employment, housing, healthcare, and social engagement. The Office of Mental Health must develop a statewide implementation plan within one year and oversee biennial reporting from clubhouses on membership, employment outcomes, housing, and crisis responses. Clubhouses must operate as non-clinical therapeutic communities emphasizing work, mutual support, and connection to broader healthcare services.

Establishes protections for adults sixty years of age or older, or at least the age of eighteen and who, because of mental or physical impairments, are unable to manage their own resources or protect themselves from financial exploitation without assistance from others.

Maddy summaryThis New York bill (A 107) establishes that animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and fear, and declares it the state's policy to treat animals humanely. It directly affects how animal cruelty cases are handled in court by defining animals as legal victims of cruelty crimes, requiring courts to treat them as such. The law mandates that animals be protected from unnecessary pain or fear caused by humans, shifting legal recognition from animals as property to beings deserving of humane treatment under the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.